Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit are principles that Oisín Doyle strives for and considering his recent Taekwondo success, this philosophy seems to be serving him well.

The 13-year-old from Rocklands recently received his first degree black belt in Taekwondo following several years of training under Master Pat O'Rourke from Wexford Taekwondo. It certainly proved to be a high point for the St Peter's College student, who fell in love with the sport when he was eight-years-old.

'Some of my friends were doing it at the time so I decided to try it. They told me that Pat was very strict but I didn't think so. I just fell in love with the sport,' said Oisín.

Since then, Oisín has competed in plenty of tournaments and worked his way up the ranks in Taekwondo. His most recent challenge was to achieve his first degree black belt, which required him to train at least four times a week with Pat.

'I just had to have it,' he said. 'Pat did a preliminary test with me in the club beforehand. It's like the mocks and is much harder than the real thing. It's probably the hardest thing I've done.'

Over the years, Oisín has also learned about the five tenets of Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. Along with keeping him fit and giving him a pastime, Taekwondo teaches Oisín to live in a peaceful way.

'It teaches you about discipline and being kind,' he said.

With his first degree black belt now secured, Oisín has his sights set on achieving his second degree black belt. Though he no longer competes, he hasn't ruled out the idea of becoming an instructor in future.